The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-12

EDWARD vIRGINIUs VALENTINE.
The Southern Sculptor Who Conceived
the Breckenridge Statue.

The Southern Sculptor Who conceived
the Breckenridge Statue.
Edward Virginius Valentine, the sculptor
OF the Breckenridge statue, was born in
Richmond, Va, November II, 1928, and
is the son OF the late Mann 5. Valentine, a
prominent merchant OF that city. He be-
longs 10 family all the members OF the
present generation OF which have shown
decided penchant for art, literature and
science. One OF his brothers, the late
Prof William Winston Valentine, was
well known and highly esteemed by lead
ing scholars here and abroad for his ac-
coInplshmcnts MS u lingust and his re-
researches in the field oil glottology, ETY.
mology and philology, and left manu-
scripts which, when edited and published,
will be OF great value. Several members
oi his family are also known in this country
and in Europe in connection with inter-
esting archaeological Investigations. In
his youth, young Edward Valen-
tine was surrounded by everything
calculated 10 develop the art instinct, and
displayed early II decided talent for sculpt-
ure. After receiving such instruction in
drawing and modelling as was obtainable in
Richmond, in ls5d~syieft Virginia for
Europe for the purpose On completing his
studies. His first master abroad was Con-
ture, in whose studio in Paris he remained
about year, drawing from nude figures.
He was favorite pupil with that cee-
brated artist, and was frequently his guest
at Selns. Young Valentines next course
was in Florence, where he received private
Instructions from Bonaruii, and after max
ing a tour Of the art galleries of Italy, he
went 10 Germany, in the hope Of entering
the studio OF Reitschcl. That artist had
died, however, while Valentine was linger-
ing in the alps, and the Virginian's next
step was Ia apply for admission into the
studio of Kiss, then the most celebrated Of
the living German sculptors. At first
Prof. Kiss positively declined the PROPOSE
ton, being greatly avcrse TO receiving pu-
pills. But the objections were overcome,
and the end was that lac received the young
Virginian not only rs pupil but rs a
friend, in the development OF whose genius
he displayed 10 the time Of his death u
fatherly interest. Indeed, the great Ger
man master Of plaster art layished both his
time and affection on Valentine, and his
death left the young sculptor many OF his
most valuable art relies, including replicn
OF the Head Of the Amazon. Valentine
remained in kiss studio four years, taking
in connection with his studies and work
there Il course OF drawing under llalbein
and private lessons in art history under
| Prof Eggcis. Upon his return TO Virginia
he established himself in his native city
and turned his attention principally to the
portraiture department OF his art. llc pro-
duced busts of Beaurcgard, Stuart, Jack
son, Maury and other Confederate cclebri-
ties, aud was finally given the commission
10 execute the marble rccumbcnt figure Of
Gen. Robert T.. Lee, now in the nauso-
lcum attached 10 the chapel Of Washing
ton and Lee university at Lexington,
Va. OF that work but little
need be said. Competent art criticism
has ranked IL higher than any other
pecc Of sculpture of It's character in this
country, and placed il along side the grand
est ciluris In that direction in Europe. Mr..
Valentine has made thorough study Of
the great Confederate chieltan's person
and character aud the work is perfect,
both M portmiiurc and IN example Of
art. lie had spent some time In LcNing-
ton modelling bust Of Gen. Lee, aud was
thus thrown in daily contact with his sub
jcct. and secured the most accurate meas
upmcnts OF them. The bust * recognized
10y the Lee family ~ perfect, both rs ~.
CARDS 10 features and expression. But
while labOring upon commissions Tor busts
aud patterns, Mr.. Valentine did not neg.
loct his IDEAL. Early after hisrcturn 80 Rich
nond lac brought out several conceptions
OF marked beauty aud originality, which
were oarncsts and prophesies OF a grand
success just r'nlizcd in "Andromachc and
AstyanaN." This is classical group now
In plaster, but soon to be put IN marble,
and il destined 10 create sensation In
the art world. At lcss, such Is the YER
diet ol the critics OF both this country and
| Europe who have seen H. IL IL the result
/ ui nearly five ycam ui study aud labor and
IL not only n triumph oi genius, but a
monument IN tho sculptpr's inithiulncss
! aud c0nscioniiousncss. Unfortunately for
him pccuniarly, perhaps, but fortunately
for his reputation, Mr.. Valentine il not a
"slurring" worker aud does not pandcr "a
the sensational IN art lie throws his
whole soul into whatever lac undertakes
whcthcrit bc ubust oran ideal example, aud
his work grows on him from the time h,
flint puts up the Clay-tha Is his model.
are only an mtimltiun OF what the com
ploicd work will bc. lie spent some tim'
ON his Hrcckinridgc, but Kentucky hn
every rvaSon 10 congratulate herself tia
this is ~, seeing that he made Il labor q
love aud looked nj the commOncr cntircl!
from u standpoint ~ high mt.
TIN. &C. o. not cure all. hut n quartz